The French government has removed the limit of 200 cigarettes that a traveler was allowed to bring back from another European Union (EU) country in order to comply with EU law. Previously, adults traveling within the EU were allowed to bring back 200 cigarettes (equivalent to one carton), 50 cigars, 250 grams of pipe tobacco, and 100 cigarillos. However, the EU regulations allow for higher personal consumption limits, such as 800 cigarettes (four cartons), 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, and one kilogram of pipe tobacco. The French government has chosen not to set a specific limit in the decree, which came into effect on Friday.
The change in regulations aims to crack down on illegal tobacco trade and smuggling by giving customs officers the authority to use a range of indicators to determine whether a person is engaging in commercial activities or illegal trading of tobacco products. Instead of focusing on specific quantities, customs officers will consider factors such as the destination of the individual carrying the cigarettes, their economic activities, and the location of the products in the vehicle. The government believes that this shift from a quantitative approach to a purpose-based one will make the regulatory framework more effective in combating illicit tobacco trade.
Individuals found carrying even a single carton of cigarettes that is intended for resale, with the recipient’s name and delivery address, could potentially face penalties under the new decree. The government emphasizes that the key focus now is on the intention behind the purchase of tobacco products, rather than the specific quantity being transported. This approach is meant to prevent individuals from exploiting the lack of defined limits for personal consumption in order to engage in commercial activities or illegal trading of tobacco.
The French government’s decision to abolish the 200-cigarette limit for travelers from neighboring countries has been prompted by a directive from the EU, which requires member states to align their national regulations with EU laws regarding personal tobacco consumption limits. A recent ruling by the Council of State in France instructed the government to amend its national legislation to comply with EU regulations, either by removing specific thresholds or by setting limits that are consistent with EU standards. The new decree represents the government’s response to this legal obligation.
In addition to adjusting its regulations on personal tobacco consumption limits, the French government is also exploring initiatives to harmonize tobacco taxation across the European Union. This effort to create a more consistent tax framework for tobacco products at a European level is part of a broader strategy to combat illicit trade and smuggling of tobacco. By aligning tax policies and regulations across EU member states, the government aims to reduce incentives for illegal activities and strengthen enforcement measures to protect public health and safety.
